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Anthropogenic activities can lead to changes in animal behavior. Predicting population consequences of these behavioral changes requires integrating short-term individual responses into models that forecast population dynamics across multiple generations. This is especially challenging for long-lived animals, because of the different time scales involved. Beaked whales are a group of deep-diving odontocete whales that respond behaviorally when exposed to military mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), but the effect of these nonlethal responses on beaked whale populations is unknown. Population consequences of aggregate exposure to MFAS was assessed for two beaked whale populations that are regularly present on U.S. Navy training ranges where MFAS is frequently used. Our approach integrates a wide range of data sources, including telemetry data, information on spatial variation in habitat quality, passive acoustic data on the temporal pattern of sonar use and its relationship to beaked whale foraging activity, into an individual-based model with a dynamic bioenergetic module that governs individual life history. The predicted effect of disturbance from MFAS on population abundance ranged between population extinction to a slight increase in population abundance. These effects were driven by the interaction between the temporal pattern of MFAS use, baseline movement patterns, the spatial distribution of prey, the nature of beaked whale behavioral response to MFAS and the top-down impact of whale foraging on prey abundance. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for monitoring of marine mammal populations and highlight key uncertainties to help guide future directions for assessing population impacts of nonlethal disturbance for these and other long-lived animals.

© The Author(s), 2022. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Pirotta, E., Thomas, L., Costa, D., Hall, A., Harris, C., Harwood, J., Kraus, S., Miller, P., Moore, M., Photopoulou, T., Rolland, R., Schwacke, L., Simmons, S., Southall, B., & Tyack, P. Understanding the combined effects of multiple stressors: a new perspective on a longstanding challenge. Science of The Total Environment, 821, (2022): 153322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153322., Wildlife populations and their habitats are exposed to an expanding diversity and intensity of stressors caused by human activities, within the broader context of natural processes and increasing pressure from climate change. Estimating how these multiple stressors affect individuals, populations, and ecosystems is thus of growing importance. However, their combined effects often cannot be predicted reliably from the individual effects of each stressor, and we lack the mechanistic understanding and analytical tools to predict their joint outcomes. We review the science of multiple stressors and present a conceptual framework that captures and reconciles the variety of existing approaches for assessing combined effects. Specifically, we show that all approaches lie along a spectrum, reflecting increasing assumptions about the mechanisms that regulate the action of single stressors and their combined effects. An emphasis on mechanisms improves analytical precision and predictive power but could introduce bias if the underlying assumptions are incorrect. A purely empirical approach has less risk of bias but requires adequate data on the effects of the full range of anticipated combinations of stressor types and magnitudes. We illustrate how this spectrum can be formalised into specific analytical methods, using an example of North Atlantic right whales feeding on limited prey resources while simultaneously being affected by entanglement in fishing gear. In practice, case-specific management needs and data availability will guide the exploration of the stressor combinations of interest and the selection of a suitable trade-off between precision and bias. We argue that the primary goal for adaptive management should be to identify the most practical and effective ways to remove or reduce specific combinations of stressors, bringing the risk of adverse impacts on populations and ecosystems below acceptable thresholds., This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research [grant numbers N000142012697, N000142112096]; and the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program [grant numbers RC20-1097, RC20-7188, RC21-3091].

© The Author(s), 2022. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Pirotta, E., Thomas, L., Costa, D., Hall, A., Harris, C., Harwood, J., Kraus, S., Miller, P., Moore, M., Photopoulou, T., Rolland, R., Schwacke, L., Simmons, S., Southall, B., & Tyack, P. Understanding the combined effects of multiple stressors: a new perspective on a longstanding challenge. Science of The Total Environment, 821, (2022): 153322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153322., Wildlife populations and their habitats are exposed to an expanding diversity and intensity of stressors caused by human activities, within the broader context of natural processes and increasing pressure from climate change. Estimating how these multiple stressors affect individuals, populations, and ecosystems is thus of growing importance. However, their combined effects often cannot be predicted reliably from the individual effects of each stressor, and we lack the mechanistic understanding and analytical tools to predict their joint outcomes. We review the science of multiple stressors and present a conceptual framework that captures and reconciles the variety of existing approaches for assessing combined effects. Specifically, we show that all approaches lie along a spectrum, reflecting increasing assumptions about the mechanisms that regulate the action of single stressors and their combined effects. An emphasis on mechanisms improves analytical precision and predictive power but could introduce bias if the underlying assumptions are incorrect. A purely empirical approach has less risk of bias but requires adequate data on the effects of the full range of anticipated combinations of stressor types and magnitudes. We illustrate how this spectrum can be formalised into specific analytical methods, using an example of North Atlantic right whales feeding on limited prey resources while simultaneously being affected by entanglement in fishing gear. In practice, case-specific management needs and data availability will guide the exploration of the stressor combinations of interest and the selection of a suitable trade-off between precision and bias. We argue that the primary goal for adaptive management should be to identify the most practical and effective ways to remove or reduce specific combinations of stressors, bringing the risk of adverse impacts on populations and ecosystems below acceptable thresholds., This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research [grant numbers N000142012697, N000142112096]; and the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program [grant numbers RC20-1097, RC20-7188, RC21-3091].

Assessing the long-term consequences of sub-lethal anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife populations requires integrating data on fine-scale individual behavior and physiology into spatially and temporally broader, population-level inference. A typical behavioral response to disturbance is the cessation of foraging, which can be translated into a common metric of energetic cost. However, this necessitates detailed empirical information on baseline movements, activity budgets, feeding rates and energy intake, as well as the probability of an individual responding to the disturbance-inducing stressor within different exposure contexts. Here, we integrated data from blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) experimentally exposed to military active sonar signals with fine-scale measurements of baseline behavior over multiple days or weeks obtained from accelerometry loggers, telemetry tracking and prey sampling. Specifically, we developed daily simulations of movement, feeding behavior and exposure to localized sonar events of increasing duration and intensity and predicted the effects of this disturbance source on the daily energy intake of an individual. Activity budgets and movements were highly variable in space and time and among individuals, resulting in large variability in predicted energetic intake and costs. In half of our simulations, an individuals energy intake was unaffected by the simulated source. However, some individuals lost their entire daily energy intake under brief or weak exposure scenarios. Given this large variation, population-level models will have to assess the consequences of the entire distribution of energetic costs, rather than only consider single summary statistics. The shape of the exposure-response functions also strongly influenced predictions, reinforcing the need for contextually explicit experiments and improved mechanistic understanding of the processes driving behavioral and physiological responses to disturbance. This study present

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is an analytical technique extensively used in almost every chemical laboratory for structural identification. This technique provides statistically equivalent signals in spite of using spectrometer with different hardware features and is successfully used for the traceability and quantification of analytes in food samples. Nevertheless, to date only a few internationally agreed guidelines have been reported on the use of NMR for quantitative analysis. The main goal of the present study is to provide a methodological pipeline to assess the reproducibility of NMR data produced for a given matrix by spectrometers from different manufacturers, with different magnetic field strengths, age and hardware configurations. The results have been analyzed through a sequence of chemometric tests to generate a community-built calibration system which was used to verify the performance of the spectrometers and the reproducibility of the predicted sample concentrations.

Lysophosphatidate acyltransferase (LPAAT) catalyses the second step of the Kennedy pathway for triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis. Here we express Trapaeolum majus LPAAT in Brassica napus (B. napus) cv 12075 to evaluate the effects on lipid synthesis and estimate the flux control coefficient for LPAAT. • We estimate the flux control coefficient of LPAAT in a whole plant context by deriving a relationship between it and overall lipid accumulation, given that this is an exponential process. • Increasing LPAAT activity resulted in greater TAG accumulation in seeds of between 25 and 29 %; altered fatty acid distributions in seed lipids (particularly those of the Kennedy pathway); and a redistribution of label from 14C-glycerol between phosphoglycerides. • Greater LPAAT activity in seeds led to an increase in TAG content despite its low intrinsic flux control coefficient on account of the exponential nature of lipid accumulation that amplifies the effect of the small flux increment achieved by increasing its activity. We have also developed a novel application of metabolic control analysis likely to have broad application as it determines the in planta flux control that a single component has upon accumulation of storage products.

Offshore activities elevate ambient sound levels at sea, which may affect marinefauna. We reviewed the literature about impact of airgun acoustic exposure on fish in terms of damage, disturbance and detection and explored the nature of impact assessment at population level. We provided a conceptual framework for how to address this interdisciplinary challenge, and we listed potential tools for investigation. We focused on limitations in data currently available, and we stressed the potential benefits from cross-species comparisons. Well-replicated and controlled studies do not exist for hearing thresholds and dose–response curves for airgun acoustic exposure. We especially lack insight into behavioural changes for free-ranging fish to actual seismic surveys and on lasting effects of behavioural changes in terms of time and energy budgets, missed feeding or mating opportunities, decreased performance in predator-prey interactions, and chronic stress effects on growth, development and reproduction. We also lack insight into whether any of these effects could have population-level consequences. General “population consequences of acoustic disturbance” (PCAD) models have been developed for marine mammals, but there has been little progress so far in other taxa. The acoustic world of fishes is quite differentfrom human perception and imagination as fish perceive particle motion and sound pressure. Progress is therefore also required in understanding the nature and extent to which fishes extract acoustic information from their environment. We addressed the challenges and opportunities for upscaling individual impact to the population, community and ecosystem level and provided a guide to critical gaps in our knowledge

Managing the nonlethal effects of disturbance on wildlife populations has been a long-term goal for decision makers, managers, and ecologists, and assessment of these effects is currently required by European Union and United States legislation. However, robust assessment of these effects is challenging. The management of human activities that have nonlethal effects on wildlife is a specific example of a fundamental ecological problem: how to understand the population-level consequences of changes in the behavior or physiology of individual animals that are caused by external stressors. In this study, we review recent applications of a conceptual framework for assessing and predicting these consequences for marine mammal populations. We explore the range of models that can be used to formalize the approach and we identify critical research gaps. We also provide a decision tree that can be used to select the most appropriate model structure given the available data. Synthesis and applications: The implementation of this framework has moved the focus of discussion of the management of nonlethal disturbances on marine mammal populations away from a rhetorical debate about defining negligible impact and toward a quantitative understanding of long-term population-level effects. Here we demonstrate the framework's general applicability to other marine and terrestrial systems and show how it can support integrated modeling of the proximate and ultimate mechanisms that regulate trait-mediated, indirect interactions in ecological communities, that is, the nonconsumptive effects of a predator or stressor on a species' behavior, physiology, or life history.

Managing the nonlethal effects of disturbance on wildlife populations has been a long-term goal for decision makers, managers, and ecologists, and assessment of these effects is currently required by European Union and United States legislation. However, robust assessment of these effects is challenging. The management of human activities that have nonlethal effects on wildlife is a specific example of a fundamental ecological problem: how to understand the population-level consequences of changes in the behavior or physiology of individual animals that are caused by external stressors. In this study, we review recent applications of a conceptual framework for assessing and predicting these consequences for marine mammal populations. We explore the range of models that can be used to formalize the approach and we identify critical research gaps. We also provide a decision tree that can be used to select the most appropriate model structure given the available data. Synthesis and applications: The implementation of this framework has moved the focus of discussion of the management of nonlethal disturbances on marine mammal populations away from a rhetorical debate about defining negligible impact and toward a quantitative understanding of long-term population-level effects. Here we demonstrate the framework's general applicability to other marine and terrestrial systems and show how it can support integrated modeling of the proximate and ultimate mechanisms that regulate trait-mediated, indirect interactions in ecological communities, that is, the nonconsumptive effects of a predator or stressor on a species' behavior, physiology, or life history.

The primary objective of this research is to: Develop a predictive model for population health of Blainville s beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris, Md) in the Tongue Of The Ocean (TOTO), Bahamas, using data from passive acoustic monitoring collected around and during active sonar operations. MFA sonar operations occur repeatedly on Navy ranges that are known to contain populations of Blainville s (Mesoplodon densirostris, Md) and Cuvier s (Ziphius cavirostris, Zc) beaked whales. Strandings of these species have been associated with the use of Navy sonar [1], [2]. A population of Md is known to use the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) range in the Tongue Of The Ocean (TOTO), Bahamas [3], and a population of Zc has been documented on the Southern California Offshore Range (SCORE) off San Clemente Island in California [4]. Developing a methodology for monitoring the long-term health of populations such as these, that are repeatedly exposed to sonar, is important for the continued operational integrity of these ranges., Contract no. MIPR-N0001412WX20919

We aim to construct and fit mathematical models of beaked whales diving behavior, and their response to MFA sonar. These models will be parameterized by fitting them simultaneously to three sources of data: (1) short-term, high fidelity tagging studies on individual whales (some of which comes from animals exposed to acoustic stimuli); (2) medium-term satellite tagging studies of individual whales (some of which we hope will come from data collected during navy exercises); and (3) long-term passive acoustic monitoring from bottom-mounted hydrophones (much of which comes from data collected during navy exercises). All data come from the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), Bahamas, and the surrounding area. Hence our models and predictions will be directly applicable to animals in that area, although we hope they will be of more general relevance. Outputs of the model are designed to be compatible with risk evaluation and mitigation tools and models developed under other ONR initiatives, such as Effects of Sound on the Marine Environment (ESME) and Population Consequences of Acoustic Disturbance (PCADS).

The approach that will be developed in this project has the potential for operational use by the US Navy as part of its environmental impact assessments. In future, these assessments will likely be required to provide information on the potential population-level consequences of exposure to anthropogenic noise from Navy activities as well as the number of animals that are exposed. In order to issue an incidental harassment authorization to the US Navy under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Office of Protected Resources must ensure that the specified activity cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival . We have recently developed an interim protocol (Harwood et al. 2014) that can be used to implement the framework for assessing the population consequences of acoustic disturbance for marine mammals originally developed by a panel appointed by the US National Research Council (NRC 2005). However, the interim protocol was designed to assess the potential impact of disturbance associated with the construction and operation of offshore renewable energy developments on marine mammal populations in UK waters.

Environmental changes (a type of disturbance) are altering the habitat of southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina, an apex marine predator in the Southern Ocean. As a result, individuals may shift their behaviour, spending more time in transit and less time foraging. The effects of these sublethal changes in behaviour can accumulate, indirectly impacting lifetime fitness through changes in individual survival and reproduction. If a sufficient proportion of the population is affected, the probability of population persistence will be altered. We used data from long-term telemetry studies of female elephant seals at Macquarie Island, Australia, to model the effect of behaviour on the seals' health (i.e. all internal factors that affect homeostasis). Through simulation, we investigated the effect of increasing periods of behavioural shifts, quantifying how the exclusion of maternal southern elephant seals from foraging habitat may affect their health, offspring survival, individual fitness and population growth rate. A long period of altered behaviour (>50% of an average foraging trip at sea) in 1 yr resulted in a small (0.4%) decline in population size the following year. However, a persistent disruption (e.g. 30 yr), caused for example by the long-term effects of climate change, could result in a 0.3% decline in individual fitness and a 10% decline in population size. Our approach to estimating the long-term population effects of short-term changes in individual behaviour can be generalised to include physiological effects and other causes of behavioural and physiological disruption, such as anthropogenic disturbance, for any species.

Fats based on stearic acid could be a healthier alternative to existing oils especially hydrogenated fractions of oils or palm, but only a few non-tropical species produce oils with these characteristics. In this regard, newly developed high stearic oil seed crops could be a future source of fats and hard stocks rich in stearic and oleic fatty acids. These oil crops have been obtained either by breeding and mutagenesis or by suppression of desaturases using RNA interference. The present review depicts the molecular and biochemical bases for the accumulation of stearic acid in sunflower. Moreover, aspects limiting the accumulation of stearate in the seeds of this species are reviewed. This included data obtained from the characterization of genes and enzymes related to fatty acid biosynthesis and triacylglycerol assembly. Future improvements and uses of these oils are also discussed. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The goal of this project is to improve our ability to predict the behavioral response of beaked whales to mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar, by making better use of data already collected, or being collected as part of other projects. We aim to construct and fit mathematical models of beaked whales diving behavior, and their response to MFA sonar. These models will be parameterized by fitting them simultaneously to three sources of data: (1) short-term, high fidelity tagging studies on individual whales (some of which comes from animals exposed to acoustic stimuli); (2) medium-term satellite tagging studies of individual whales (some of which we hope will come from data collected during navy exercises); and (3) long-term passive acoustic monitoring from bottom-mounted hydrophones (much of which comes from data collected during navy exercises). All data will come from the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), Bahamas, and the surrounding area. Hence our models and predictions will be directly applicable to animals in that area, although we hope they will be of more general relevance. Outputs of the model are designed to be compatible with risk evaluation and mitigation tools and models developed under other ONR initiatives, such as Effects of Sound on the Marine Environment (ESME) and Population Consequences of Acoustic Disturbance (PCADS). Hence, the model will: (1) predict the behavioral responses of individual beaked whales to MFA sonar; (2) provide sufficient information to assess the level of take likely to result from sonar operations; (3) provide sufficient information to allow the energetic costs of disturbance by MFA to be estimated; (4) provide a modeling framework within which information concerning behavioral responses of beaked whales can be interpreted., Prepared in collaboration with the University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK.

The primary objective of this research is to develop a predictive model for the population health of Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris, Md) in the Tongue Of The Ocean (TOTO), Bahamas, using data from passive acoustic monitoring collected around and during active sonar operations. MFA sonar operations occur repeatedly on Navy ranges that are known to contain populations of Blainville's and Cuvier's (Ziphius cavirostris, Zc) beaked whales. Strandings of these species have been associated with the use of Navy sonar. A population of Md is known to use the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) range in the Tongue Of The Ocean (TOTO), Bahamas, and a population of Zc has been documented on the Southern California Offshore Range (SCORE) off San Clemente Island in California. Developing a methodology for monitoring the long-term health of populations such as these, which are repeatedly exposed to sonar, is important for the continued operational integrity of these ranges. This research focuses on Md at AUTEC. It combines passive acoustic data from the detection of Md echolocation clicks and sonar; observational data from expert surface observers for group size, surface behavior, and age/sex distribution; biological data from biopsy sampling; precise ship track data from sonar operations; and mid-term (days to months) satellite tag data for animal locations and dives.

Automated methods were developed to detect fin whale calls recorded by an array of ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) deployed off the Portuguese coast between 2007 and 2008. Using recordings collected on a single day in January 2008, a standard seismological method for estimating earthquake location from single instruments, the three-component analysis, was used to estimate the relative azimuth, incidence angle, and horizontal range between each OBS and detected calls. A validation study using airgun shots, performed prior to the call analysis, indicated that the accuracy of the three-component analysis was satisfactory for this preliminary study. Point transect sampling using cue counts, a form of distance sampling, was then used to estimate the average probability of detecting a call via the array during the chosen day. This is a key step to estimating density or abundance of animals using passive acoustic data. The average probability of detection was estimated to be 0.313 (standard error: 0.033). However, fin whale density could not be estimated due to a lack of an appropriate estimate of cue (i.e., vocalization) rate. This study demonstrates the potential for using a sparse array of widely spaced, independently operating acoustic sensors, such as OBSs, for estimating cetacean density.

Endemic, low-virulence parasitic infections are common in nature. Such infections may deplete host resources, which in turn could affect the reproduction of other parasites during co-infection. We aimed to determine whether the reproduction, and therefore transmission potential, of an epidemic parasite was limited by energy costs imposed on the host by an endemic infection. Total lipids, triacylglycerols (TAG) and polar lipids were measured in cockroaches (Blattella germanica) that were fed ad libitum, starved or infected with an endemic parasite, Gregarina blattarum. Reproductive output of an epidemic parasite, Steinernema carpocapsae, was then assessed by counting the number of infective stages emerging from these three host groups. We found both starvation and gregarine infection reduced cockroach lipids, mainly through depletion of TAG. Further, both starvation and G. blattarum infection resulted in reduced emergence of nematode transmission stages. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to demonstrate directly that host resource depletion caused by endemic infection could affect epidemic disease transmission. In view of the ubiquity of endemic infections in nature, future studies of epidemic transmission should take greater account of endemic co-infections.

Automated methods were developed to detect fin whale calls recorded by an array of ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) deployed off the Portuguese coast between 2007 and 2008. Using recordings collected on a single day in January 2008, a standard seismological method for estimating earthquake location from single instruments, the three-component analysis, was used to estimate the relative azimuth, incidence angle, and horizontal range between each OBS and detected calls. A validation study using airgun shots, performed prior to the call analysis, indicated that the accuracy of the three-component analysis was satisfactory for this preliminary study. Point transect sampling using cue counts, a form of distance sampling, was then used to estimate the average probability of detecting a call via the array during the chosen day. This is a key step to estimating density or abundance of animals using passive acoustic data. The average probability of detection was estimated to be 0.313 (standard error: 0.033). However, fin whale density could not be estimated due to a lack of an appropriate estimate of cue (i.e., vocalization) rate. This study demonstrates the potential for using a sparse array of widely spaced, independently operating acoustic sensors, such as OBSs, for estimating cetacean density.

LONG-TERM GOALS: To build an ecological modeling framework that facilitates understanding of the at-sea condition and health of various species of marine mammals. This project will develop statistical tools to allow mathematical models of the population consequences of acoustic disturbance to be fitted to data from marine mammal populations. We will work closely with Phase II of the ONR PCAD Working Group, and will provide statistical support to that group., The original document contains color images.

The goal of this project is to improve our ability to predict the behavioral response of beaked whales to mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar, by making better use of data already collected, or being collected as part of other projects., The original document contains color images. Prepared in collaboration with Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, RI.

The objective of this effort is to provide a model framework and initial estimate of the population level effect of sonar on Blainville s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) hereafter Md, in the Bahamas. It builds on the results from ongoing programs including the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R), the Behavioral Response Study (BRS), Density Estimation for Cetaceans (DECAF), Bahamas Beaked Whale Ecology Study (BBES), Linking Acoustic Tests and Tagging using statistical Estimation (LATTE), and will adapt the methodology developed by the Marine Mammal Commission (New, Moretti, David J., Hooker, Sascha K., & Simmons, Samantha E.) in coordination with the ONR Population Consequences of Acoustic Disturbance (PCAD) Working Group., The original document contains color images.

The goal of this project is to improve our ability to predict the behavioral response of beaked whales to mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar, by making better use of data already collected, or being collected as part of other projects. We aim to construct and fit mathematical models of the diving behavior of beaked whales, and their response to MFA sonar. These models will be parameterized by fitting them simultaneously to three sources of data: (1) short-term, high fidelity tagging studies on individual whales (some of which comes from animals exposed to acoustic stimuli); (2) medium-term satellite tagging studies of individual whales (some of which we hope will come from data collected during navy exercises); and (3) long-term passive acoustic monitoring from bottom-mounted hydrophones (much of which comes from data collected during navy exercises). All data will come from the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), Bahamas, and the surrounding area. Hence our models and predictions will be directly applicable to animals in that area, although we hope they will be of more general relevance. Outputs of the model are designed to be compatible with risk evaluation and mitigation tools and models developed under other ONR initiatives, such as Effects of Sound on the Marine Environment (ESME) and Population Consequences of Acoustic Disturbance (PCADS). Hence, the model will: (1) predict the behavioral responses of individual beaked whales to MFA sonar; (2) provide sufficient information to assess the level of take that is likely as a result of sonar operations; (3) provide sufficient information to allow the energetic costs of disturbance by MFA to be estimated; (4) provide a modeling framework within which information concerning behavioral responses of beaked whales can be interpreted., Prepared in collaboration with the University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK.

The goal of this project is to improve our ability to predict the behavioral response of beaked whales to mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar, by making better use of data already collected, or being collected as part of other projects. We aim to construct and fit mathematical models of the diving behavior of beaked whales, and their response to MFA sonar. These models will be parameterized by fitting them simultaneously to three sources of data: (1) short-term, high fidelity tagging studies on individual whales (some of which comes from animals exposed to acoustic stimuli); (2) medium-term satellite tagging studies of individual whales (some of which we hope will come from data collected during navy exercises); and (3) long-term passive acoustic monitoring from bottom-mounted hydrophones (much of which comes from data collected during navy exercises). All data will come from the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), Bahamas, and the surrounding area. Hence our models and predictions will be directly applicable to animals in that area, although we hope they will be of more general relevance. Outputs of the model are designed to be compatible with risk evaluation and mitigation tools and models developed under other ONR initiatives, such as Effects of Sound on the Marine Environment (ESME) and Population Consequences of Acoustic Disturbance (PCADS). Hence, the model will: (1) predict the behavioral responses of individual beaked whales to MFA sonar; (2) provide sufficient information to assess the level of "take" that is likely as a result of sonar operations; (3) provide sufficient information to allow the energetic costs of disturbance by MFA to be estimated; (4) provide a modeling framework within which information concerning behavioral responses of beaked whales can be interpreted.

Long-distance migrations are among the wonders of the natural world, but this multi-taxon review shows that the characteristics of species that undertake such movements appear to make them particularly vulnerable to detrimental impacts of climate change. Migrants are key components of biological systems in high latitude regions, where the speed and magnitude of climate change impacts are greatest. They also rely on highly productive seasonal habitats, including wetlands and ocean upwellings that, with climate change, may become less food-rich and predictable in space and time. While migrants are adapted to adjust their behaviour with annual changes in the weather, the decoupling of climatic variables between geographically separate breeding and non-breeding grounds is beginning to result in mistimed migration. Furthermore, human land-use and activity patterns will constrain the ability of many species to modify their migratory routes and may increase the stress induced by climate change. Adapting conservation strategies for migrants in the light of climate change will require substantial shifts in site designation policies, flexibility of management strategies and the integration of forward planning for both people and wildlife. While adaptation to changes may be feasible for some terrestrial systems, wildlife in the marine ecosystem may be more dependent on the degree of climate change mitigation that is achievable.

Author Posting. © Acoustical Society of America, 2008. This article is posted here by permission of Acoustical Society of America for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 124 (2008): 2823-2832, doi:10.1121/1.2988277., Beaked whales can remain submerged for an hour or more and are difficult to sight when they come to the surface to breathe. Passive acoustic detection (PAD) not only complements traditional visual-based methods for detecting these species but also can be more effective because beaked whales produce clicks regularly to echolocate on prey during deep foraging dives. The effectiveness of PAD for beaked whales depends not only on the acoustic behavior and output of the animals but also on environmental conditions and the quality of the passive sonar implemented. A primary constraint on the range at which beaked whale clicks can be detected involves their high frequencies, which attenuate rapidly, resulting in limited ranges of detection, especially in adverse environmental conditions. Given current knowledge of source parameters and in good conditions, for example, with a wind speed of 2 m/s, a receiver close to the surface should be able to detect acoustically Cuvier's beaked whales with a high probability at distances up to 0.7 km, provided the listening duration exceeds the deep dive interval, about 2.5 h on average. Detection ranges beyond 4 km are unlikely and would require low ambient noise or special sound propagation conditions., Cuvier’s beaked whale data were collected by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and BluWest S.R.L. with funding from SERDP and the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP).

Author Posting. © Acoustical Society of America, 2008. This article is posted here by permission of Acoustical Society of America for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 124 (2008): 2823-2832, doi:10.1121/1.2988277., Beaked whales can remain submerged for an hour or more and are difficult to sight when they come to the surface to breathe. Passive acoustic detection (PAD) not only complements traditional visual-based methods for detecting these species but also can be more effective because beaked whales produce clicks regularly to echolocate on prey during deep foraging dives. The effectiveness of PAD for beaked whales depends not only on the acoustic behavior and output of the animals but also on environmental conditions and the quality of the passive sonar implemented. A primary constraint on the range at which beaked whale clicks can be detected involves their high frequencies, which attenuate rapidly, resulting in limited ranges of detection, especially in adverse environmental conditions. Given current knowledge of source parameters and in good conditions, for example, with a wind speed of 2 m/s, a receiver close to the surface should be able to detect acoustically Cuvier's beaked whales with a high probability at distances up to 0.7 km, provided the listening duration exceeds the deep dive interval, about 2.5 h on average. Detection ranges beyond 4 km are unlikely and would require low ambient noise or special sound propagation conditions., Cuvier’s beaked whale data were collected by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and BluWest S.R.L. with funding from SERDP and the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP).

Author Posting. © Acoustical Society of America, 2008. This article is posted here by permission of Acoustical Society of America for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 124 (2008): 2823-2832, doi:10.1121/1.2988277., Beaked whales can remain submerged for an hour or more and are difficult to sight when they come to the surface to breathe. Passive acoustic detection (PAD) not only complements traditional visual-based methods for detecting these species but also can be more effective because beaked whales produce clicks regularly to echolocate on prey during deep foraging dives. The effectiveness of PAD for beaked whales depends not only on the acoustic behavior and output of the animals but also on environmental conditions and the quality of the passive sonar implemented. A primary constraint on the range at which beaked whale clicks can be detected involves their high frequencies, which attenuate rapidly, resulting in limited ranges of detection, especially in adverse environmental conditions. Given current knowledge of source parameters and in good conditions, for example, with a wind speed of 2 m/s, a receiver close to the surface should be able to detect acoustically Cuvier's beaked whales with a high probability at distances up to 0.7 km, provided the listening duration exceeds the deep dive interval, about 2.5 h on average. Detection ranges beyond 4 km are unlikely and would require low ambient noise or special sound propagation conditions., Cuvier’s beaked whale data were collected by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and BluWest S.R.L. with funding from SERDP and the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP).

Ecological theory predicts that generalist predators should damp or suppress long-term periodic fluctuations (cycles) in their prey populations and depress their average densities. However, the magnitude of these impacts is likely to vary depending on the availability of alternative prey species and the nature of ecological mechanisms driving the prey cycles. These multispecies effects can be modeled explicitly if parameterized functions relating prey consumption to prey abundance, and realistic population dynamical models for the prey, are available. These requirements are met by the interaction between the Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) and three of its prey species in the United Kingdom, the Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), the field vole (Microtus agrestis), and the Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus). We used this system to investigate how the availability of alternative prey and the way in which prey dynamics are modeled might affect the behavior of simple trophic networks. We generated cycles in one of the prey species (Red Grouse) in three different ways: through (1) the interaction between grouse density and macroparasites, (2) the interaction between grouse density and male grouse aggressiveness, and (3) a generic, delayed density-dependent mechanism. Our results confirm that generalist predation can damp or suppress grouse cycles, but only when the densities of alternative prey are low. They also demonstrate that diametrically opposite indirect effects between pairs of prey species can occur together in simple systems. In this case, pipits and grouse are apparent competitors, whereas voles and grouse are apparent facilitators. Finally, we found that the quantitative impacts of the predator on prey density differed among the three models of prey dynamics, and these differences were robust to uncertainty in parameter estimation and environmental stochasticity.

Ecological theory predicts that generalist predators should damp or suppress long-term periodic fluctuations (cycles) in their prey populations and depress their average densities. However, the magnitude of these impacts is likely to vary depending on the availability of alternative prey species and the nature of ecological mechanisms driving the prey cycles. These multispecies effects can be modeled explicitly if parameterized functions relating prey consumption to prey abundance, and realistic population dynamical models for the prey, are available. These requirements are met by the interaction between the Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) and three of its prey species in the United Kingdom, the Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), the field vole (Microtus agrestis), and the Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus). We used this system to investigate how the availability of alternative prey and the way in which prey dynamics are modeled might affect the behavior of simple trophic networks. We generated cycles in one of the prey species (Red Grouse) in three different ways: through (1) the interaction between grouse density and macroparasites, (2) the interaction between grouse density and male grouse aggressiveness, and (3) a generic, delayed density-dependent mechanism. Our results confirm that generalist predation can damp or suppress grouse cycles, but only when the densities of alternative prey are low. They also demonstrate that diametrically opposite indirect effects between pairs of prey species can occur together in simple systems. In this case, pipits and grouse are apparent competitors, whereas voles and grouse are apparent facilitators. Finally, we found that the quantitative impacts of the predator on prey density differed among the three models of prey dynamics, and these differences were robust to uncertainty in parameter estimation and environmental stochasticity.

Eukaryotic algae are a diverse group of organisms. Their lipid compositions have been less studied than those of higher plants but, nevertheless, we now have sufficient data to be able to make some broad generalizations. Algae contain many of the major lipids of plants, such as the glycosylglycerides and the usual phosphoglycerides. In addition, more unusual compounds such as the betaine lipids, chlorosulfolipids or various other sulfolipids may be major components of some species or orders. Where information is available specifically about chloroplast membranes, it seems that the three glycosylglycerides, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, and phosphatidylglycerol are the main acyl lipids, as in plants. These four lipids have characteristic fatty acid compositions and are often highly enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids which may contain as many as six double bonds. The positional distribution of fatty acids on the thylakoid lipids of Chlamydomonas indicates that the former are made exclusively within the chloroplast.

Eukaryotic algae are a diverse group of organisms. Their lipid compositions have been less studied than those of higher plants but, nevertheless, we now have sufficient data to be able to make some broad generalizations. Algae contain many of the major lipids of plants, such as the glycosylglycerides and the usual phosphoglycerides. In addition, more unusual compounds such as the betaine lipids, chlorosulfolipids or various other sulfolipids may be major components of some species or orders. Where information is available specifically about chloroplast membranes, it seems that the three glycosylglycerides, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, and phosphatidylglycerol are the main acyl lipids, as in plants. These four lipids have characteristic fatty acid compositions and are often highly enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids which may contain as many as six double bonds. The positional distribution of fatty acids on the thylakoid lipids of Chlamydomonas indicates that the former are made exclusively within the chloroplast.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., INT. 1: Guest Host BARBARA BOGAEV talks with EDWARD FELSENTHAL and JOHN HARWOOD. FELSENTHAL is the Supreme Court Correspondent from the WALL STREET JOURNAL, about the article on the Independent Counsel which appear in today's Wall Street Journal. Clinton, ironically, signed into law in 1994 the Independent Council Reauthorization Act. Soon after, Kenneth Starr began his Whitewater Investigation. Now, after two decades. the Independent Council is being criticized for its nearly unrestricted use of time, money and prosecutorial authority. REV. : Critic MILO MILES reviews the reissue of "Sex & Soul" (Polymedia/Collectibles) a album first released in 1974 on Mercury by Roy C, otherwise known as Roy Charles Hammond. Roy C said it was his concept album about infidelity. INT. 2: British novelist MARTIN AMIS. He is considered one of the leading British writers of the late-twentieth century and one of the most controversial. AMIS' newest book is a detective story set in America "Night Train" (Harmony Books) about a suspicious suicide. REV. : Linguist GEOFF NUNBERG considers the words we use to describe "unsanctioned amorous relations" and the difficulty of using more straight forward language.

Changes in grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) serum thyroid hormones with age, sex and during lactation were investigated. Concentrations were related to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) uptake and exposure in pups and females. There was no effect of sex or stage of lactation on either free or total thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), but significant age-related variability was seen. Pups had significantly higher concentrations of total T4 than adults (p <0.0001) and serum levels declined with age. In general, there was no significant relationship between PCB exposure to pups through female milk or between PCB blubber concentrations and thyroid hormone levels, when the effect of age was controlled for. However, the ratio T3:T4 was significantly correlated with the concentration of one congener, CB169 (p = 0.048), when stage of lactation was used as a covariate. In conclusion, serum thyroid hormone levels may be less useful biomarkers of contaminant exposure in seals than other biochemical measures. Although concentrations vary predictably with age, other factors, such as condition and nutritional status, may compromise their usefulness in assessing contaminant-induced hormone disruption in pinnipeds.

Eukaryotic algae are a diverse group of organisms. Their lipid compositions have been less studied than those of higher plants but, nevertheless, we now have sufficient data to be able to make some broad generalizations. Algae contain many of the major lipids of plants, such as the glycosylglycerides and the usual phosphoglycerides. In addition, more unusual compounds such as the betaine lipids, chlorosulfolipids or various other sulfolipids may be major components of some species or orders. Where information is available specifically about chloroplast membranes, it seems that the three glycosylglycerides, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, and phosphatidylglycerol are the main acyl lipids, as in plants. These four lipids have characteristic fatty acid compositions and are often highly enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids which may contain as many as six double bonds. The positional distribution of fatty acids on the thylakoid lipids of Chlamydomonas indicates that the former are made exclusively within the chloroplast.

Eukaryotic algae are a diverse group of organisms. Their lipid compositions have been less studied than those of higher plants but, nevertheless, we now have sufficient data to be able to make some broad generalizations. Algae contain many of the major lipids of plants, such as the glycosylglycerides and the usual phosphoglycerides. In addition, more unusual compounds such as the betaine lipids, chlorosulfolipids or various other sulfolipids may be major components of some species or orders. Where information is available specifically about chloroplast membranes, it seems that the three glycosylglycerides, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, and phosphatidylglycerol are the main acyl lipids, as in plants. These four lipids have characteristic fatty acid compositions and are often highly enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids which may contain as many as six double bonds. The positional distribution of fatty acids on the thylakoid lipids of Chlamydomonas indicates that the former are made exclusively within the chloroplast.